Gay men's self-defined sexual problems, perceived causes and factors in remission

Abstract

Three hundred gay men (41% single, 59% in a current relationship) participated in a survey exploring self-defined sexual problems, their perceptions of causes and factors in remission. Over one-third of the sample (35%) were currently experiencing a sexual problem, with 70% having had either a current or previous sexual problem. Overall, the majority of problems described were psychological and related to the context of sexual behaviour, whether in masturbation, in relationships or in casual sexual encounters. In current relationships the problems included discrepancies between partners, such as in the type of relationship wanted (closed or open), the sexual practices desired and loss of sexual interest in the partner. In casual sex negative psychological states after the encounter or inhibiting ones preceding it were described, as well as a number of practical concerns such as fear of arrest or assault. Traditional sexual disorders (e.g. DSM-IV disorders) were less frequently reported, accounting for only 16% of the problem descriptions given. Of these, problems getting or maintaining an erection were the most common, having a lifetime prevalence of 8.4% in the sample. However, erectile problems were mostly confined to casual sexual encounters. The limitations of applying mainstream models of sexual functioning and associated classification systems for sexual disorders in gay men are discussed.